Ngozi Okobi, a prominent forward for the Super Falcons, has expressed her disappointment and uncertainty following her exclusion from Coach Waldrum’s FIFA Women’s World Cup squad in Australia.
Read Also: Odion Ighalo Nears Move to Al Wehda in Saudi Arabia
The versatile twenty-nine-year-old player, known for her role in the number ten position, shared her feelings about missing out on the team’s participation in the competition and her doubts about her future with the national team.
Okobi’s omission from the squad came as a shock to her, considering her extensive career journey from the Under 17 level to the senior team.
Her absence from the tournament deeply affected her, and she is still coming to terms with the situation. She found the delivery of the news to be derogatory, adding to the emotional impact of the decision.
While Okobi couldn’t bear to watch the group opener against Canada due to her distress, she managed to watch the game against Australia.
Reflecting on her emotions, she mentioned, “I couldn’t watch the game live, because I felt very bad. It was very difficult for me, but when I saw the second game, it broke me because I thought I should have been there.”
In terms of the team’s performance, Okobi believed that her presence could have contributed valuable options in attack, especially given the Super Falcons’ dominance in the round of sixteen tie in Brisbane.
She emphasized the unique attributes she brings to the team, including creativity and skill, which she believes could have made a difference.
Discussing the motivation factor for the team, including the potential sixty thousand dollars prize for each player’s performance, Okobi acknowledged the impact of monetary incentives. She recognized the team’s spirited performance in Brisbane and hinted at the significance of financial motivation.
When asked about her future with the Nigerian team, Okobi remained cautious and refrained from making a definitive statement.
Her ambiguous response suggests a need for time to process her feelings and experiences before deciding on her next steps. She mentioned, “I can’t say right now. When I’m ready to talk about it, I would do so.”
Despite her absence, Okobi continues to feel connected to the team and expressed her disappointment after the loss.
She emphasized the need for more finishing and experienced strikers in the team’s lineup to capitalize on defensive strength.
As the Super Falcons return to their homeland in batches, the Nigerian football community awaits the arrival of other players who have impressed on the international stage. Okobi’s emotional journey highlights the complex blend of dedication, disappointment, and uncertainty that athletes often face in their careers.
